Government discusses migration and rental break legislation proposals - Government grapples with migration and rental price regulation proposals
The German Federal Government, following high-level meetings and the signing of the coalition agreement, has announced several significant policy shifts concerning migration, rental regulations, and family reunification for certain refugees.
In an effort to curb illegal migration, the government plans to bolster police presence at Germany’s borders. This includes turning away some asylum seekers, primarily those without the necessary paperwork, while still permitting entry for vulnerable individuals. The Interior Minister has indicated that these measures will lead to increased rejections and deportations at the border.
The government is also ending the policy that allowed well-integrated migrants to apply for citizenship after just three years of residency. Moving forward, the standard residency requirement for naturalization will be five years. The rationale for this change is that German citizenship should mark the culmination of an integration process, not its beginning.
To address labor shortages, the government will establish a "Work and Stay Agency" to expedite the recognition of professional and academic qualifications and facilitate skilled worker migration. This initiative aims to speed up work permit processes while maintaining control over illegal migration.
Despite stricter migration controls, the government has also announced plans to issue more professional visas to attract skilled workers, reflecting a dual approach of both restricting irregular migration and encouraging needed economic migration.
Regarding the extension of the rent brake (Mietpreisbremse), while there has been no explicit recent cabinet decision to extend or modify it, the continued emphasis on affordable housing suggests ongoing discussions or potential future policy adjustments related to rental market regulation.
In terms of family reunification for refugees without asylum status, the government may impose stricter eligibility criteria in the future, although no explicit suspension has been announced in the latest cabinet meeting notes. This policy shift is part of the government’s broader approach to migration, which aims for a "clear, fair, and controlled" policy with a focus on integration.
In summary, the government’s approach emphasizes a balance between restricting irregular migration and supporting the country’s economic needs through targeted skilled labor migration, while prioritizing security and integration.
- The German Federal Government's employment policy, as outlined in their coalition agreement, will see changes in the realm of employment-related migration, with the establishment of a "Work and Stay Agency" to facilitate the recognition of professional and academic qualifications and expedite work permit processes.
- With regard to the ongoing discussions about family reunification for refugees without asylum status, the government may impose stricter eligibility criteria, reflecting their focus on a "clear, fair, and controlled" policy approach towards migration that prioritizes integration.
